here, which, however, is scarcely even yet the case. I came here with a
cold and catarrh, which were very trying to me, my constitution being
naturally rheumatic, which will, I fear, soon cut the thread of my life,
or, still worse, gradually wear it away. The miserable state of my
digestive organs, too, can only be restored by medicines and diet, and for
this I have to thank my _faithful_ servants! You will learn how constantly
I am in the open air when I tell you that to-day for the first time I
properly (or improperly, though it was involuntary) resumed my suit to my
Muse. I _must_ work, but do not wish it to be known. Nothing can be more
tempting (to me at least) than the enjoyment of beautiful Nature at these
baths, but _nous sommes trop pauvres, et il faut écrire ou de n'avoir pas
de quoi_. Get on, and make every preparation for your examination, and be
unassuming, so that you may prove yourself higher and better than people
expect. Send your linen here at once; your gray trousers must still be
wearable, at all events at home; for, my dear son, you are indeed very
_dear_ to me! My address is, "At the coppersmith's," &c. Write instantly to
say that you have got this letter. I will send a few lines to that
contemptible creature, Schindler, though I am most unwilling to have
anything to do with such a wretch. If we could write as quickly as we think
and feel, I could say a great deal not a little remarkable; but for to-day
I can only add that I wish a certain Carl may prove worthy of all my love
and unwearied care, and learn fully to appreciate it.
Though not certainly exacting, as you know, still there are many ways in
which we can show those who are better and nobler than ourselves that we
acknowledge their superiority.
I embrace you from my heart.
Your faithful and true
FATHER.
351.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
August, 1823.
I am really very ill, and not suffering from my eyes alone. I intend to
drag myself to-morrow to Baden, to look out for a lodging, and to go there
altogether in the course of a few days. The air in town has a very bad
effect on my whole organization, and has really injured my health, having
gone twice to town to consult my physicians. It will be easier for me to
repair to Y.R.H. in Baden. I am quite inconsolable, both on account of
Y.R.H. and myself, that my usefulness is thus limited. I have marked some
things in the Variations, but I can explain these better verbally.
[K.]
352.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Baden, August 22, 1823.
Your gracious letter led me to believe that Y.R.H. intended to return to
Baden, where I arrived on the 13th, very ill; but I am now better. I had
recently another inflammatory cold, having just recovered from one. My
digestion, too, was miserable, and my eyes very bad; in short, my whole
system seemed impaired. I was obliged to make the effort to come here,
without even being able to see Y.R.H. Thank God, my eyes are so much better
that I can again venture to make tolerable use of them by daylight. My
other maladies, too, are improving, and I cannot expect more in so short a
period. How I wish that Y.R.H. were only here, when in a few days we could
entirely make up for lost time. Perhaps I may still be so fortunate as to
see Y.R.H. here, and be able to show my zeal to serve Y.R.H. How deeply
does this cause me to lament my unhappy state of health. Much as I wish for
its entire restoration, still I greatly fear that this will never be the
case, and on this account I hope for Y.R.H.'s indulgence. As I can now at
length prove how gladly I place myself at Y.R.H.'s disposal, my most
anxious desire is that you would be pleased to make use of me.
[K.]
353.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1823.
I have just been enjoying a short walk and composing a Canon, "Grossen
Dank, ÷ ÷ ÷," when, on returning home, with the intention of writing it out
for Y.R.H., I find a petitioner who is under the delusion that his request
will be better received if made through me. What can I do? A good action
cannot be too soon performed, and even a whim must be sometimes humored.
The bearer of this is Kapellmeister Drechsler, of the Josephstadt and Baden
Theatre; he wishes to obtain the situation of second Court organist. He has
a good knowledge of thorough bass, and is also a good organist, besides
being favorably known as a composer,--all qualities that recommend him for
this situation. He _rightly_ thinks that the best recommendation to secure
him the appointment is that of Y.R.H., who, being yourself so great a
connoisseur and performer, know better than any one how to appreciate true
merit; and assuredly H.I. Majesty would prefer such testimony to every
other. I therefore add my entreaties, though with some hesitation, to those
of Herr D., relying on the indulgence and kindness of Y.R.H., and in the
hope that the illustrious patron and protector of all that is good will do
what lies in his power to be of use on this occasion.
My Canon shall be sent to-morrow,[1] together with the confession of my
sins, intentional and unintentional, for which I beg your gracious
absolution. My eyes, alas! prevent me from saying to-day as I could wish my
hopes and desires that all good may attend you.
P.S. I ought also to mention that Herr Drechsler is the unsalaried
professor of thorough bass at St. Anna's, and has been so for the last ten
years.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The Canon, _Grossen Dank, ÷ ÷ ÷_, is not to be found in either
Breitkopf & Härtel's or Thayer's catalogue, nor anywhere else.]
354.
TO F. RIES.
Baden, September 5, 1823.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
You advise me to engage some one to look after my affairs; now I did so as
to the Variations; that is, my brother and Schindler took charge of them,
but how?
The Variations were not to have appeared here till after being published in
London; but everything went wrong. The dedication to Brentano [Antonie v.
Brentano, _née_ Edlen von Birkenstock] was to be confined to Germany, I
being under great obligations to her, and having nothing else to spare at
the moment; indeed, Diabelli, the publisher, alone got it from me. But
everything went through Schindler's hands. No man on earth was ever more
contemptible,--an arch villain; but I soon sent him packing! I will
dedicate some other work to your wife in the place of this one. You, no
doubt, received my last letter [No. 346]. I think thirty ducats would be
enough for one of the _Allegri di Bravura_, but I should like to publish
them here at the same time, which might easily be arranged. Why should I
give up so much profit to these rogues here? It will not be published here
till I am told that it has arrived in London; moreover, you may yourself
fix the price, as you best know London customs.
The copyist to-day at last finished the score of the Symphony; so
Kirchhoffer and I are only waiting for a favorable opportunity to send it
off. I am still here, being very ill when I arrived, and my health still
continues in a most precarious condition, and, good heavens! instead of
amusing myself like others at these baths, my necessities compel me to
write every day. I am also obliged to drink the mineral waters besides
bathing. The copy will shortly be sent off; I am only waiting till I hear
of an opportunity from Kirchhoffer, for it is too bulky to forward by post.
My last letter must have given you an insight into everything. I will send
you some choruses; let me have any commissions for oratorios as soon as you
can, that I may fix the time at once. I am sorry about the Variations on
account of ----, as I wrote them more for London than here. This is not my
fault. Answer me very soon, both as to particulars and time. Kind regards
to your family.
355.
TO F. RIES,--LONDON.
Baden, September 5, 1823.
MY DEAR KIND RIES,--
I have still no tidings of the Symphony, but you may depend on its soon
being in London. Were I not so poor as to be obliged to live by my pen, I
would accept nothing from the Philharmonic Society; but as it is, I must
wait till the money for the Symphony is made payable here; though as a
proof of my interest and confidence in that Society, I have already sent
off the new Overture, and I leave it to them to settle the payment as they
please.
My brother, who keeps his carriage, wished also to profit by me; so without
asking my permission, he offered this Overture to Boosey, a London
publisher. Pray, tell him that my brother was mistaken with regard to the
Overture. I see now that he bought it from me in order to practise usury
with it. _O Frater!!_
I have never yet received the Symphony you dedicated to me. If I did not
regard this dedication as a kind of challenge to which I am bound to
respond, I would ere this have dedicated some work to you. I always,
however, wished first to see yours, and how joyfully would I then testify
my gratitude to you in one way or another.
I am, indeed deeply your debtor for your kind services and many proofs of
attachment. Should my health improve by my intended course of baths, I hope
to kiss your wife in London in 1824.
Yours, ever,
BEETHOVEN.
356.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1823.
I have just heard that Y.R.H. is expected here to-morrow. If I am still
unable to follow the impulse of my heart, I hope you will ascribe it to the
state of my eyes. I am better, but for some days to come I dare not breathe
the town air, so prejudicial to my eyes. I only wish that the next time
Y.R.H. returns from Baden, you would be so good as to let me know, and also
name the hour at which I am to present myself, and once more have the good
fortune to see my gracious master. But as it is probable Y.R.H. will not
long remain here, it is the more incumbent on us to take advantage of the
short time at our disposal to carry out our artistic discussions and
practice. I will myself bring "Grossen Dank, ÷ ÷ ÷," as it must be sent to
Baden. Herr Drechsler thanked me to-day for the _liberty_ I had taken in
recommending him to Y.R.H., who received him so graciously that I beg to
express my warmest gratitude for your kindness. I trust that Y.R.H. will
continue firm, for it is said that Abbé Stadler is endeavoring to procure
the situation in question for some one else. It would also be very
beneficial to Drechsler if Y.R.H. would vouchsafe to speak to Count
Dietrichstein[1] on the subject. I once more request the favor of being
told the date of your return from Baden, when I will instantly hasten into
town to wait on the best master I have in this world. Y.R.H.'s health seems
to be good; Heaven be praised that it is so, for the sake of so many who
wish it, and among this number I may certainly be included.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Count Moritz Dietrichstein was in 1823 Court director of the
royal band.]
357.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
I was very much affected on receiving your gracious letter yesterday. To
flourish under the shade of a stately verdant fruit-tree is refreshing to
any one capable of elevated thought and feeling, and thus it is with me
under the aegis of Y.R.H. My physician assured me yesterday that my malady
was disappearing, but I am still obliged to swallow a whole bottle of some
mixture every day, which weakens me exceedingly, and compels me, as Y.R.H.
will see from the enclosed instructions of the physician, to take a great
deal of exercise. I have every hope, however, that soon, even if not
entirely recovered, I shall be able to be a great deal with Y.R.H. during
your stay here. This hope will tend to recruit my health sooner than usual.
May Heaven bestow its blessings on me through Y.R.H., and may the Lord ever
guard and watch over you! Nothing can be more sublime than to draw nearer
to the Godhead than other men, and to diffuse here on earth these godlike
rays among mortals. Deeply impressed by the gracious consideration of
Y.R.H. towards me, I hope very soon to be able to wait on you.
[K.]
358.
TO SCHINDLER.
Baden, September, 1823.
SIGNORE PAPAGENO,--
That your scandalous reports may no longer distress the poor Dresdener, I
must tell you that the money reached me to-day, accompanied by every
possible mark of respect to myself.
Though I should have been happy to offer you a _substantial_ acknowledgment
for the [illegible, effaced by Schindler] you have shown me, I cannot yet
accomplish to the full extent what I have so much at heart. I hope to be
more fortunate some weeks hence. [See No. 329.]
_Per il Signore Nobile, Papageno Schindler._
359.
TO SCHINDLER.
1823.
The occurrence that took place yesterday, which you will see in the police
reports, is only too likely to attract the notice of the established police
to this affair. The testimony of a person whose name is not given entirely
coincides with yours. In such a case private individuals cannot act; the
authorities alone are empowered to do so.[1]
Yours,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Schindler says, "Brother Johann, the apothecary, was ill in
the summer of 1823, and during that time his disreputable wife visited her
lover, an officer, in the barracks, and was often seen walking with him in
the most frequented places, besides receiving him in her own house. Her
husband, though confined to bed, could see her adorning herself to go in
search of amusement with her admirer. Beethoven, who was informed of this
scandal from various quarters, appealed vigorously to his brother, in the
hope of persuading him to separate from his ill-conducted wife, but failed
in his attempt, owing to the indolence of this ill-regulated man." It was
Schindler, too, who prevented Beethoven making any further application to
the police. The following note probably refers to this. In his note-book of
November, 1823, is a Canon written by Beethoven on his brother Johann and
his family, on these words, "Fettlümerl Bankert haben triumphirt," no doubt
an allusion to the disgraceful incident we have mentioned. Brother Johann's
wife had a very lovely daughter before she married him.]
360.
TO SCHINDLER.
WISEACRE! I kiss the hem of your garment!
361.
TO HERR GRILLPARZER, COURT COMPOSER.
ESTEEMED SIR,--
The directors wish to know your terms with regard to "Melusina." [See No.
331.] In so far she has asserted herself, which is certainly better than
being obliged to importune others on such matters. My household has been in
great disorder for some time past, otherwise I should have called on you,
and requested you to visit me in return.[1] Pray, write your conditions at
once, either to the directors or to myself, in which case I will undertake
to deliver them. I have been so busy that I could not call on you, nor can
I do so now, but hope to see you before long. My number is 323.
In the afternoons you will find me in the coffee-house opposite the
"Goldene Birne." If you do come, I beg that you may be _alone_. That
obtrusive appendage, Schindler, has long been most obnoxious to me, as you
must have perceived when at Hetzendorf,[2] _otium est vitium_. I embrace
and esteem you from my heart.
Yours,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: In the note-book of 1823 is written, in Beethoven's hand:
8th or 9th November, bad humor.
Another bad day.
Another bad day.
And underneath, in Schindler's hand:
Devil take such a life!]
[Footnote 2: The _Elegante Zeitung_ of 1858, No. 73, relates the following
anecdote about this visit:--"During the composition of the Opera many
conferences took place between the two artistic colleagues, when the new
work was zealously discussed on both sides. On one occasion the poet drove
out to visit the composer in the country. Beethoven's writing-desk was
placed somewhat like a sentry-box opposite a cupboard for provisions, the
contents of which compelled the housekeeper to be perpetually coming and
going, attracting thereby many an admonitory look askance in the midst of
his conversation from the deaf _maestro_. At last the clock struck the
dinner-hour. Beethoven went down to his cellar, and soon after returned
carrying four bottles of wine, two of which he placed beside the poet,
while the other two were allotted to the composer himself and a third
guest. After dinner Beethoven slipped out of the room, and held a short
parley with the coachman hired for the occasion, who was still waiting at
the door. When the time arrived for returning to town, Beethoven proposed
driving part of the way with his guests, and did not get out of the
carriage till close to the Burgthor. Scarcely was he gone when the
companions he had just quitted found some papers lying on the seat he had
vacated, which proved to be six _gulden_, the amount of the carriage-hire.
They instantly stopped the carriage, and shouted to their friend (who was
making off as quick as he could) that he had forgotten some money; but
Beethoven did not stand still till he was at a safe distance, when he waved
his hat, rejoicing with the glee of a child at the success of his trick.
There was no possibility of refusing his _naïf_ generosity, and they had
sufficient delicacy of feeling not to poison his enjoyment by any untimely
remonstrances."]
362.
TO PROBST, MUSIC PUBLISHER,--LEIPZIG.
Vienna, March 10, 1824.
... These are all I can at present give you for publication. I must, alas!
now speak of myself, and say that this, the greatest work I have ever
written, is well worth 1000 florins C.M. It is a new grand symphony, with a
finale and voice parts introduced, solo and choruses, the words being those
of Schiller's immortal "Ode to Joy," in the style of my pianoforte Choral
Fantasia, only of much greater breadth. The price is 600 florins C.M. One
condition is, indeed, attached to this Symphony, that it is not to appear
till next year, July, 1825; but to compensate for this long delay, I will
give you a pianoforte arrangement of the work gratis, and in more important
engagements you shall always find me ready to oblige you.
363.
TO SCHINDLER.
1824.
Frau S. [Schnaps] will provide what is required, so come to dinner to-day
at two o'clock. I have good news to tell you,[1] but this is quite _entre
nous_, for the _braineater_ [his brother Johann] must know nothing about
it.
[Footnote 1: This no doubt refers to a letter from Prince Gallizin, March
11, 1824:--"I beg you will be so good as to let me know when I may expect
the Quartet, which I await with the utmost impatience. If you require
money, I request you will draw on Messrs. Stieglitz & Co., in St.
Petersburg, for the sum you wish to have, and it will be paid to your
order."]
364.
TO HERR V. RZEHATSCHEK.
1824.
MY WORTHY HERR V. RZEHATSCHEK,--
Schuppanzigh assures me that you intend to be so kind as to lend me the
instruments required for my concert;[1] thus encouraged, I venture to ask
you to do so, and hope not to meet with a refusal when thus earnestly
soliciting you to comply with my request.
Your obedient servant,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: It seems highly probable that this concert is the celebrated
one in the spring of 1824, when the Ninth Symphony and a portion of the
Grand Mass were performed.]
365.
TO THE HIGH CHAMBERLAIN PRINCE TRAUTMANNSDORF.[1]
I am deeply indebted to your Highness for your invariable politeness, which
I prize probably the more from Y.H. being by no means devoid of sympathy
for my art. I hope one day to have the opportunity of proving my esteem for
your H.
[Footnote 1: Enclosed in a note to Schindler, who was to apply for the
great _Redoutensaal_ for the concert on April 8, 1824.]
366.
TO COUNT MORITZ LICHNOWSKY.[1]
Insincerity I despise; visit me no more; my concert is not to take place.
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: The originals of these three well-known notes were found by
Schindler on the piano, where Beethoven usually left things of the kind,
which he intended his amanuensis to take charge of. Lichnowsky,
Schuppanzigh, and Schindler had all met at Beethoven's, as if by chance, in
order to discuss with him some difficulties which stood in the way of the
concert. The suspicious _maestro_ saw only collusion and treachery in this,
and wrote these notes, which Schindler did not allow to be sent.]
367.
TO HERR SCHUPPANZIGH.
Come no more to see me. I give no concert.
BEETHOVEN.
368.
TO HERR SCHINDLER.
Do not come to me till I summon you. No concert.
BEETHOVEN.
369.
TO HERR V. SARTORIUS, ROYAL CENSOR.
SIR,--
As I hear that obstacles are likely to arise on the part of the royal
censorship to a portion of sacred music being given at an evening concert
in the Theatre "an der Wien," I must inform you that I have been
particularly requested to give these pieces, that the copies for this
purpose have already caused serious expense, and the intervening time is
too short to produce other new works. Besides, only three sacred
compositions are to be given, and these under the title of hymns. I do
earnestly entreat you, sir, to interest yourself in this matter, as there
are always so many difficulties to contend with on similar occasions.
Should this permission not be granted, I do assure you that it will be
impossible to give a concert at all, and the whole outlay expended on the
copying be thrown away. I hope you have not quite forgotten me.
I am, sir, with high consideration, yours,
BEETHOVEN.
370.
TO SCHINDLER.
1824.
If you have any information to give me, pray write it down; but seal the
note, for which purpose you will find wax and a seal on my table. Let me
know where Duport[1] lives, when he is usually to be met with, and whether
I could see him alone, or if it is probable that people will be there, and
who?
I feel far from well. _Portez-vous bien._ I am still hesitating whether to
speak to Duport or to write to him, which I cannot do without bitterness.
Do not wait dinner for me; I hope you will enjoy it. I do not intend to
come, being ill from our bad fare of yesterday. A flask of wine is ready
for you.
[Footnote 1: Schindler says that on April 24, 1824, he applied to Duport,
at that time administrator of the Kärnthnerthor Theatre, in Beethoven's
name, to sanction his giving a grand concert there, allowing him to have
the use of the house for the sum of 400 florins C.M. Further, that the
conducting of the concert should be intrusted to Umlauf and Schuppanzigh,
and the solos to Mesdames Unger and Sonntag, and to the bass singer
Preisinger.]
371.[1]
TO SCHINDLER.
I beg you will come to see me to-morrow, as I have a tale to tell you as
sour as vinegar. Duport said yesterday that he had written to me, though I
have not yet got his letter, but he expressed his satisfaction, which is
best of all. The chief feat however is not yet performed, that which is to
be acted in front of the _Proscenium_!
[In Beethoven's writing:] Yours, _from C# below to high F_,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Written by his nephew.]
372.
TO SCHINDLER.
After six weeks of discussion, here, there, and everywhere, I am fairly
boiled, stewed, and roasted. What will be the result of this much-talked-of
concert if the prices are not raised? What shall I get in return for all my
outlay, as the copying alone costs so much?
373.
TO SCHINDLER.
At twelve o'clock to-day "in die Birne" [an inn on the
Landstrasse]--thirsty and hungry--then to the coffee-house, back again
here, and straight to Penzing, or I shall lose the lodging.
374.
TO SCHINDLER.
When you write to me, write exactly as I do to you, without any formal
address or signature--_vita brevis, ars longa_. No necessity for details;
only the needful!
375.
TO HERR STEINER & CO.
Baden, May 27, 1824.
P.N.G. [PATERNOSTERGÄSSEL],--
Have the goodness to give me a proof of your great complaisance, by using
your hand-rostrum (ruler) (not _Rostrum Victoriatum_) to rule 202 lines of
music for me, somewhat in the style I now send, and also on equally fine
paper, which you must include in your account. Send it, if possible,
to-morrow evening by Carl, for I require it.
Perhaps plenary indulgence may then be granted.
376.
POUR M. DE HASLINGER, GÉNÉRAL MUSICIEN ET GÉNÉRAL-LIEUTENANT.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
You would really do me great injustice were you to suppose that negligence
prevented my sending you the tickets; I assure you that it was my intention
to do so, but I forgot it like many other things. I hope that some other
opportunity may occur to enable me to prove my sentiments with regard to
you. I am, I assure you, entirely innocent of all that Duport has done, in
the same way that it was _he_ who thought fit to represent the Terzet [Op.
116] as new, _not I_. You know too well my love of truth; but it is better
to be silent now on the subject, as it is not every one who is aware of the
true state of the case, and I, though innocent, might incur blame. I do not
at all care for the other proposals Duport makes, as by this concert I have
lost both time and money. In haste, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
377.
TO STEINER & CO.
MY KIND FRIEND,--
Be so good as to read the enclosed, and kindly forward it at once to the
authorities.
Your servant and _amicus_,
BEETHOVEN.
378.